Controlling Board Clears Additional Funding For School District Construction Projects

Working off a light agenda Monday, Controlling Board members approved 45 requests, including one that will provide millions of dollars in lottery profits to three school districts.

The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission was approved for $5.3 million in lottery profit funds for school districts making master facility plan amendments.

Amanda Clearcreek Local School District in Fairfield County is set to receive more than $3.1 million, Arcanum Butler Local School District in Darke County will receive nearly $2 million and East Palestine City School District in Columbiana County will receive $160,000, according to the request.

The project budget of Amanda Clearcreek’s new K-2 and 3-12 facilities is insufficient because of post-construction issues related to shingle roofs, the request stated. In addition to the state share increase of the project, the request would require a local share increase of $561,275.

The additional Arcanum Butler project funding, meanwhile, will cover the costs of masonry repairs and roof repairs at the new K-12 facility and the East Palestine City Schools project requires a funding increase because of an extended design schedule. The districts will be required to chip in an additional $1.1 million and $15,912, respectively.

OFCC Interim Executive Director David Chovan said in the proposal that the state is looking to recover funds from contractors involved with the Amanda Clearcreek project and will initiate litigation in response to the Arcanum Butler project’s roofing issues.